Based at Aldi Scotland’s Bathgate HQ, Donna Devlin (43) and her son Baillie McMeeking (21) work in different departments but share a common goal to ensure Aldi customers receive the best possible products.
Donna, a Buying Manager, is responsible for sourcing and developing new products, while Baillie, a Quality Control Administration Assistant, ensures that those products meet Aldi’s strict quality standards before hitting the shelves.
Donna joined Aldi in 2013 as a Trading Assistant before moving into the Buying team, where she has spent the last nine years bringing innovative new products to Aldi stores across Scotland. Now a Buying Manager, she oversees chilled, seasonal, and special buys, helping to shape Aldi’s popular weekly specials.
She said: “I absolutely love my job. It’s fast-paced, rewarding, and no two days are ever the same. I get to play with new flavours and trends while ensuring our customers get great quality products at unbeatable prices. The fact that I’m still here after 12 years says it all. It truly is a great place to work.”
Baillie’s journey with Aldi began as a summer job as a picker in the warehouse. Encouraged by the positive work environment, he successfully applied for a role in quality control. Two and a half years later, he balances his job while studying for his degree in Civil Engineering at Edinburgh Napier University. His role involves administration, quality assurance, and inspecting a wide range of products, from fresh and chilled goods to flowers.
He said: “Aldi has been a great place to work alongside my studies, offering flexibility and valuable work experience. It’s funny because although my mum and I work in different parts of the business, there’s still some crossover. When she was a Buying Assistant, she sourced fresh fish, and I was the one quality checking it. You could say we’re keeping the Aldi supply chain afloat!”
Despite their busy schedules, Donna and Baillie always make time to celebrate Mother’s Day together, marking the occasion with an annual trip to Edinburgh for lunch and cocktails at The Balmoral.
Donna added: “It’s our little tradition, a treat for the two of us. No matter how busy things get, it’s important to take time out and we’re planning to go again this year.”
Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “At Aldi, we’re incredibly proud of the supportive and rewarding work environment we provide, and it’s fantastic to see that reflected in employees like Donna and Baillie. Donna has been with us for over a decade and continues to bring a real passion to her role, while Baillie is gaining valuable experience alongside his studies.
“We’re always looking for dedicated and hardworking individuals to join our team. Whether you’re looking for a long term career or a flexible role to fit your lifestyle, Aldi Scotland offers excellent opportunities for progression along with a competitive pay package and a fantastic workplace culture.”
Aldi is set to recruit over 500 new apprentices across the UK in 2025, with opportunities across stores, logistics, and distribution. These roles offer competitive salaries, industry-recognised qualifications, and clear paths for career progression.
Apprentices also benefit from Aldi’s market-leading benefits package, including shopping discounts, and access to ongoing training and development. Aldi is also one of the only UK supermarkets to offer paid breaks.
Those interested in a career at Aldi can visit www.aldirecruitment.co.uk for more information.